The 2025 International Pet Photography Awards (IPPA) have wrapped up another spectacular year, crowning Katie Brockman as the overall International Pet Photographer of the Year. With a record 4,011 entries from 45 countries, this year’s competition showcased unparalleled talent across eight categories, celebrating the unique beauty and spirit of pets, from beloved dogs and cats to fascinating reptiles.
The highly anticipated results of the 2025 International Pet Photography Awards have been officially announced, spotlighting the world’s most captivating and skillfully captured pet photographs. Now in its seventh year, the competition has solidified its reputation as the planet’s largest professional pet photography event, consistently pushing the boundaries of artistry and connection between humans and their animal companions. This year’s awards saw an incredible surge in participation, setting new records for entries and global reach.
A Legacy of Excellence: The IPPA’s Journey
Established in 2019, the International Pet Photography Awards was founded with a singular mission: to celebrate the artistry and skill of pet photographers from all corners of the globe. Over the years, it has grown to become the premier platform for professional pet photographers, offering not only recognition but also valuable opportunities for growth. The awards are hosted by industry veterans Charlotte Reeves and Craig Turner-Bullock, who bring over 40 years of combined experience to the table. Their online education platform, Unleashed Education, is dedicated to sharing knowledge and skills within the pet photography community.
The competition is renowned for its all-star panel of judges, a variety of categories, and substantial rewards including cash prizes, trophies, and certificates for overall and category winners. A unique aspect of the IPPA is the judges’ feedback provided on all entered images, fostering continuous improvement among participants. For 2025, the awards introduced an exciting new feature: personalized video feedback. Each video offers a 2-3 minute constructive analysis, highlighting strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and providing real-world advice to help photographers refine their craft.
The 2025 Highlights: Record Entries and New Horizons
The 2025 competition proved to be the strongest yet, attracting a record-breaking 4,011 entries from an impressive 45 different countries. This unprecedented level of participation underscores the growing passion and talent within the pet photography community worldwide. Photographers showcased their skills across eight distinct categories, each designed to capture different facets of the pet world:
- Action
- Canine Portrait
- Creative
- Documentary
- Equine Portrait
- Feline Portrait
- Open Portrait (New for 2025)
- Pets and People
This wide array of categories ensured that every type of pet, from the most common companions like dogs and cats to more unusual creatures, had a chance to shine.
Meet the International Pet Photographer of the Year 2025
The most coveted title, International Pet Photographer of the Year 2025, was awarded to Katie Brockman. Her winning portfolio captivated judges with its creative mix and heartfelt narratives. Katie’s entries featured her own beloved dog, Caldwell, alongside several foster animals she has nurtured over the years. Her work beautifully highlighted the inherent charm and photogenic qualities of rescue pets, challenging perceptions and proving their immense potential as subjects. One particularly memorable entry showcased a mischievous bunny, part of a broader project Katie is developing around animals with unique markings.
Shining a Light on Diversity: New and Notable Category Winners
The 2025 awards were particularly notable for their emphasis on diversity, both in subjects and storytelling. A significant addition this year was the Open Portrait category, specifically designed for pets outside the more traditional canine, feline, and equine subjects. This new section quickly became a fan favorite, attracting an astonishing range of entries. The inaugural winner of the Open Portrait category was Ellen Reus, whose striking studio portraits of snakes broke new ground. Ellen expressed her delight at seeing reptiles receive recognition, asserting that they are every bit as photogenic as their furry counterparts.
The Documentary category also garnered significant attention for its powerful and heartfelt storytelling. This year’s winner, Emma Boyle, presented a compelling series of images captured in Istanbul. Her work focused on the city’s omnipresent stray cats and dogs, documenting their unique relationships with the human inhabitants – from shopkeepers providing food to animals finding shelter in bustling public spaces. Emma’s project is part of a larger, ongoing effort to document stray animals in cultures where they are an integral part of daily life.
Other Stellar Category Winners for 2025:
- Equine Portrait: Renate Zuidema captured the majestic beauty of horses, earning her the top spot in this challenging category.
- Action: Shandess Griffin’s dynamic image of a pet in motion was celebrated for its perfect timing and energy.
- Canine Portrait: The esteemed Janneke De Graaf, who was also crowned International Pet Photographer of the Year in 2024, continued her winning streak by securing the Canine Portrait category this year.
- Feline Portrait: Mirka Koot‘s exquisite portrayal of a cat’s character and elegance earned her the Feline Portrait award.
- Pets and People: Petra Nestelbacher won for her heartwarming image capturing the undeniable bond between pets and their human companions.
The sheer number of recognized entries, with over two-thirds receiving awards, highlights the immense talent and dedication within the global pet photography community. From dynamic action shots to tender portraits, the 2025 competition truly showcased the depth and creativity thriving in this specialized art form.
Behind the Lens: The Judging Process and What It Takes to Win
What sets the International Pet Photography Awards apart is its commitment to fostering growth. Unlike competitions where entries are solely pitted against each other, the IPPA emphasizes competing against a set of objective standards. This approach, as noted by participating photographers, encourages self-improvement and artistic development. The detailed feedback provided by expert judges on every image, including the new video critiques, offers invaluable insights into composition, lighting, storytelling, and technical execution.
The Pet Photography Community: Inspiration and Growth
The awards serve as a powerful source of inspiration for both seasoned professionals and aspiring pet photographers. The stunning galleries of previous winners and top-scoring images offer a healthy dose of inspiration and “pet-related eye candy” for anyone passionate about animals. The hosts, Charlotte Reeves and Craig Turner-Bullock, continue to share their vast knowledge and skills through Unleashed Education, providing a hub for the pet photography community to learn, connect, and grow. This dedication to education and community engagement ensures that the art of pet photography continues to evolve and flourish.
Looking Ahead: Join the Pet Photography Journey
For those eager to challenge their creative skills or simply admire the incredible talent showcased, the International Pet Photography Awards remain a beacon of excellence. The online awards ceremony on September 10th provided a platform to celebrate these achievements, and the full list of winners and finalists can be explored on the official awards website (petphotographyawards.com). Interested photographers are encouraged to sign up for the mailing list to stay updated on future announcements and important dates, including the opening of entries for upcoming competitions.
